Filing an eviction is a significant step for property owners or landlords. While managing tenants can often be smooth, situations sometimes arise where evictions become necessary due to non-payment, property misuse, or violation of lease agreements. Understanding the financial implications how much does it cost to file an eviction help landlords be better prepared and make informed decisions. This article dives into the potential costs associated with filing an eviction and emphasizes the critical considerations landlords should account for before embarking on this legal procedure.

The Basics of an Eviction Process

Before analyzing the costs, it’s important to understand what filing an eviction entails. Eviction is a legal process that allows landlords to regain possession of their rental property by removing tenants who fail to adhere to lease agreements. The process generally includes several steps:

  • Issuing legal notices to the tenant regarding their noncompliance.
  • Filing the eviction with the court and formally serving the tenant with notice of the action.
  • Attending court hearings to resolve the matter.
  • Execution of eviction orders by law enforcement officers if the tenant does not leave voluntarily.

While the steps may seem straightforward, the associated expenses can add up quickly.

Breaking Down Eviction Costs

  1. Filing Fees

One of the initial costs of filing an eviction is the court filing fee. Every jurisdiction charges a fee for landlords to submit their eviction case to the court. Filing fees can range from $50 to $500, depending on the state or county. Some courts may also charge additional administration or documentation fees throughout the process.

For instance, in jurisdictions with higher filing fees, landlords often perceive this as a built-in challenge for frivolous eviction cases, ensuring only serious filings are pursued.

  1. Service of Notice Costs

Once you’ve filed for an eviction, the tenant must be served with a formal eviction notice. Depending on your local regulations, this notice may need to be delivered by a licensed process server, law enforcement officer, or sometimes through certified mail. The cost for serving a notice is typically between $25 and $150, depending on the notice method and location.

Efficient service of notice is important because any errors in delivering the notice can result in delays, potentially increasing costs further.

  1. Legal Fees

Landlords who choose to hire legal professionals to assist with their case may need to budget for attorney fees. While hiring a lawyer is not always mandatory, it can help ensure that the eviction is filed correctly and efficiently. Attorney fees can vary widely based on region and complexity of the case, often costing anywhere from $200 to $500 per hour.

While legal counsel adds to the expense, their expertise can prevent costly mistakes, delayed case resolutions, or even case dismissals.

  1. Court Appearances and Hearings

If an eviction case goes to trial, court appearances may incur additional fees. These include expenses tied to taking time off work, transportation costs, parking fees, and potential costs associated with delays at court hearings. While the direct cost of appearing at court is minimal, landlords handling multiple properties may find this to be a significant operational inconvenience and expense.

  1. Tenant Damages and Property Repair Costs

Evictions do not always result in tenants leaving the property in good condition. Landlords often find significant repair and cleaning costs after a tenant has been evicted. These costs can vary greatly, depending on the extent of the damages.